Vicki’s Comments (group member since May 01, 2018)

Vicki’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Discussion Questions
Part Two Chapters 1-18

1. How do you feel about Michael's desire, early in his marriage, to live independently from Astrid's family fortune by selecting to live in a place he could afford to buy, even though it was far below Astrid's accustomed lifestyle? How much weight do their different economic backgrounds carry as the reason Michael cheats on Rachel? Were you surprised to learn that Astrid had not told Michael about the other properties she owns?

I'm from an entirely different culture, so I'm not sure how culture plays a part but I think that he did the right thing for his own family, because he was living within his means. I don't think the different economic backgrounds would be a reason for Michael to cheat on Astrid at all. I think that they should have opened up communications early on, decided together what their living situation would be and whether or not Astrid was comfortable living in substandard conditions based on what she was used to.

I am surprised that she didn't tell him about all of her properties early on. Money is one of the number one issues that married couples fight about and it MIGHT have helped them come together on money issues as a couple, which is idea.

2. It seems as if Amanda's mother, Jacqueline, is vying to set up Amanda with Nick. At the end of chapter 7, Eleanor is feeling "the stars are beginning to align". How do you think this could impact the story?

I think that Jacqueline is being vindictive toward Rachel, and that never can end up a good thing. And Eleanor should trust her son and let him live his life! She isn't giving Rachel a fair shot to get to know her and she who she is. I think Elearnor is a snob and a busybody, or what I call a butt-insky mother-in-law to be.

3. Rachel isn't fitting in very well at the bachelorette party. Do you think Araminta is aware of how rude the girls are being to Rachel? Whose side do you think Araminta will take if forced to choose?

I felt bad for Rachel when she heard the girls talking about her. It's hard to say what Arminta would do, but I'd like to believe she'd do the right thing and have Rachel's back. Not everyone is from filthy rich homes (first to admit) and I would hope that she would know that it isn't money that makes someone who they are, but it seems to be inculcated into their culture.

4. We learn Bernard has a history of bullying Nick and others from the time they were young and hasn't matured or changed over the years. Give your reaction as to the bachelor party and the solution Nick devises for Colin, Alistair, and Mehmet to escape the yacht.

First, I'd like to say that I don't like Bernard at all. The dogfight was absolutely deplorable! He was and still is a bully and someone I would not want in my circle of friends. The plan was creative, a bit crazy, but it was successful so I think he did a good job coming up with it even though it could've backfired.

5. After her accident, Astrid confronts Michael about his cheating. Astrid is ready to hear the truth, forgive Michael, and work on making their marriage happy, but instead Michael quickly packs his bag and leaves. Do you think this move is final? Will Astrid continue to pursue him? Will Michael change his mind and return to her?

I can't answer with certainty at this point. I do feel like he is done with her and that he's been out of love (if he was ever in love) with Astrid for a long time. It was sad to hear his lack of compassion for her when he was giving her such unexpected, devastating news. I have a feeling she will pursue him but I don't think he will change his mind.

6. What do you think Eleanor means on the last page of the final chapter for Part Two when she states, "We should all just sit back and watch, because things are about to get interesting."

She is almost an evil woman, and she appears to thrive on drama, even at her own son's pain. It's like she can hardly wait to prove herself to be right.

7. Have you enjoyed the book thus far? What is your prediction on how the book might end?

I've definitely been enjoying the book. I had no idea what to expect but I wasn't expecting so much humor. I imagine since there is a book 2 that we will be left hanging with most of the relationships and where they stand.

Erin, I finished Candy Corn Murder But I’m on the road so can you please add my finish date? 11/05 and I made sure it was on my shelf plus I had the bonus “in text.” Do I need to post what it says and the location? Or can I get on the review page from here? Or do we have to add a review? Lol Can’t remember one challenge from another.

Erin, I’m happy for you!

Teri, woo hoo! Happy reading!!

Erin, I hope you like it too. I’m pacing myself so I can answer the questions as they’re posted.

Jessi, I think I’ll try a Kindle next time. I’m just concerned about learning how to use yet another device! I haven’t bought a book through B&N for a long time though! Lol

I know, and like I said we both thought we had already requested it but realized we hadn't. That's why I asked for it today or as soon as possible. I certainly didn't meant to cause extra work for you and will try to be more diligent in the future. Thanks for the thread!

I think I am odd-man-out because I have a NOOK and the Kindle App. I've never used a Kindle and don't think I'd be able to switch over very easily because I've been a NOOK owner for 5-6 years now. I feel like the Kindle would be so much smaller but definitely lighter. I'm not sure I'd like the smaller size of it.

I'm loving Crazy Rich Asians!

Kathryn wrote: "Just got these from the library, anyone wanna BR?

[bookcover:Revolu..."

Are you still interested?

May Morgan and I please get a buddy read thread for ? We thought we had it already and actually wanted to start on the 1st, so anytime today's date or ASAP we would appreciate. Thank you. :)

I didn't know what you were talking about, Erin. LOL But I looked it up and no, I haven't.

Discussion Questions for Day 1

1. In the prologue, Reginald Ormsby wouldn't let Eleanor, Felicity, Alexandra and their families stay at the hotel. What do you think the author was trying to say with this opening? Were you surprised at how the situation was resolved?

I think that the author was pointing out that racism sadly still exists, even in those places you're sure it doesn't. The hotel was obviously upscale and the Young family wouldn't have reserved a room had they not had the means. I was surprised at how it was resolved but OH SO GLAD! Ha ha! the joke is on Ormsby! (view spoiler)[such a racist, disgusting person to be so demeaning to someone due to their ethnicity or any reason really. (hide spoiler)] I laughed so hard at that one. I loved the irony of it!

2. The second encounter with Eleanor Young in chapter 2 seems completely at odds with the woman introduced in the prologue. What are your first impressions of Eleanor as a person? as a wife and mother?

My first impression of Eleanor is that she is a strong woman! Not all women have the confidence and strength to speak up the way she did. I love how she handled Ormsby and didn't just take his crap. When she (view spoiler)[looked in the log and saw their reservations were there, I was thinking "good for her!" (hide spoiler)] As a wife and mother I think she is supportive and that she takes hold of the reins and speaks up to everyone she feels needs to be told something...speaks her mind!


3. Nicholas seems very down to earth in comparison to his mother and even his cousin Astrid. He doesn't seem to think his money would change his relationship with Rachel. What are your impressions of Nicholas? What do you think of the way he is handling introducing Rachel to his family? Should he have taken Astrid's advice instead?

I think that Nicholas is more down to earth than his mother and Astrid. Money can definitely change the relationship between two people, depending on those two. Not knowing much about Rachel, I would say that Nick should probably have listened to Astrid, especially since she is his main female confidante, and given Rachel a heads up. After reading the first 6 chapters, it appears that his mother might not be very accepting of her, nor might his entire family. And Rachel might be taken aback by all their wealth and not know how to handle it or "fit in."

4. Rachel has clearly made several incorrect assumptions about Nicholas and his family. Were you surprised that Rachel's friend and her family had never heard of the Young family or knew about his grandmother's house? What do you think is going through Rachel's mind as she pulls up for family dinner?

I'm not surprised at all that Rachel didn't know of the Young family. I imagine what was going through her mind was "holy crap!" lol I think that anyone would be wowed by their wealth. I think she truly loves Nick though and that unless it becomes an issue for him or his family, I don't think that their wealth vs. her lack of it will be an issue.

I was surprised that Piek Lin didn't know anything about the Young family because she and her family seem to know everything about the world of the wealthiest people. I think it's almost unrealistic that she doesn't know of them. It's like not knowing who Bill Gaits is.

5. Astrid's return from Paris has not at all gone as expected. What did you think about her way of handling her husband's probable affair? about her internal dialogue of the matter? Did you have any sympathy for him after watching him endure the family lunch?

I honestly don't agree with how Astrid handled her concerns, beginning with snooping in his luggage. Once she inadvertently saw the text, she should have had an honest, open communication with him because I truly believe that without trust, there is no relationship in a marriage. I don't like how she buried her head in the sand. If she wanted to accept his cheating and live with it, I'd disagree but it's her life/her choice; however, she simply seems to minimize what she believes has happened and chooses not to confront him. Not in my world!

I didn't have any sympathy for Michael, no. If he did cheat, he doesn't get any sympathy from me, even if it's acceptable in his circle of friends or culture. But I realize I'm seeing it from my POV and cultural expectations.

6. Rachel clearly has an amazing relationship with her mother. What did you think about their relationship? Do you think it will make it easier or harder for her to understand Nicholas' family? What about her friendship with Peik Lin? Do you think it will help her interact with Nicholas' family?

I like this question because I love Kerry. She might be my favorite character or at least one of them. I love how supportive she is of Rachel and that she knows how to talk with her to calm her down and alleviate her concerns. If only all children had that type relationship with their parents. It's possible it will help her understand Nick's parents because her mother seems to have a handle on the idea that we're all in some ways products of our raising and cultures. Their culture is very different, so one must see others through their own cultures as much as possible. I do think it will help her interact with Nick's family because I think she'll understand their perspective a little more than she would have.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Vicki wrote: "I'm glad to see that we shot up in points but we still ended up 11th which surprises me. I'm also ready for a new week but it'll be harder because our word is twice as long, we have 2..."

Absolutely! I think we did a fantastic job too! I didn't mean to sound negative but I was surprised with all the hard work that we ended up 11th. But there are those who are able to read 3-5 books in a day and probably teams whose members all showed up. But I think we have a lot to be proud of! And I am ready to kick butt this week!

Thanks, Teri!

Jessi, I agree, some teams kicked butt! And it didn’t help that we have 2 people that didn’t read. Hopefully they’ll read this week because with a nine letter word we’ll need all the books we can get! Lol

I'm glad to see that we shot up in points but we still ended up 11th which surprises me. I'm also ready for a new week but it'll be harder because our word is twice as long, we have 2 people who didn't post any books at all, and I think we have our work cut out for us!

I'm going on vacation with hubby Monday through Friday so doing my reading will be more difficult; however, I do plan to read the books I have posted with one possible exception because I still don't have my book and I'll have to read it next Friday night and Saturday morning unless I end up buying it.

I added because I realized that we can also use it for a W letter if needed. So that one is on this week's SS.

Gotta run to a luncheon now. All books are added to the shelf. I'll have my cell phone if you have any questions.

Teri wrote: "Vicki can you add Take me home to your wheel-a-thon shelf?"

Did it! Sorry about that...had an appointment this morning and wanted to make sure I got it posted but was in a hurry. Forgot to add it to the shelf. Oops.

Erin, I finished a C book and put it on the SS. I read

I started reading and I can either finish it this morning or I can save it for week 2. Which one would be better to day?

I'll have one of my books done very shortly. Then I'll start my last one I committed to for this week. If I have time to read one more, I will.

Erin, I'm going to read Oklahoma Christmas Blues today that I put on the SS all by its lonesome and it covers an O, so if you want me to I can put it where your Oklahoma Christmas Blues is and I'll have it done today. So far no one has completed their book for that CROW word though. I know I'll be reading my Beautiful Masterpiece tomorrow and maybe finishing Saturday (on time), depending on an appointment I have tomorrow.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Week 2 will start in this time zone for major cities around the world. Link to time Converter

Times in major cities:

San Francisco Saturday 3 November 3pm
Chicago Saturday 3 November 5pm
New Yor..."

This is really helpful to have here. In California, Daylight Savings ends this Saturday night/Sunday morning so we set our clocks back one hour.

I thought I'd already signed up but guess not. I'm in.